Stretchable laminates of nonwoven web(s) and elastic film

ABSTRACT

A stretchable laminate, a process of making a stretchable laminate and a disposable absorbent article that includes a stretchable laminate are disclosed. The stretchable laminate includes a nonwoven web and a web of elastomeric material. The nonwoven web includes two layers of spunbond fibers and one layer of meltblown fibers. Some of the meltblown fibers are present in the interstices formed by the spunbond fibers of one of the layers. As a result of activation of the stretchable laminate, the nonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak Force of at least 0.3 N/cm.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This applications claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/167,638, filed Apr. 8, 2009, the substance of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure generally relates to stretchable laminates of nonwovenweb(s) and a film that may be an elastic film. The disclosure alsorelates to processes of making such stretchable laminates and articlesincorporating such stretchable laminates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stretchable laminates that include at least a nonwoven fibrous webbonded to an elastic film are well known in the art. These laminates areparticularly useful when used to make at least one of the numerouselements that ultimately form disposable absorbent articles such asdiapers, pants and adult incontinence products. For example, stretchablelaminates may be used to make stretchable elements such as stretchableears, stretchable side panels or a stretchable outer cover for anabsorbent article. Among other benefits, these stretchable elementsprovide a better fit of the absorbent article on the user. A typicalstretchable laminate that includes a fibrous nonwoven web bonded to anelastic film may be relatively hard to elongate by a caregiver or a userunless the laminate as been mechanically “activated.” During mechanicalactivation, the stretchable laminate is strained to allow the laminateto at least partially recover some of the ease of elongation that theelastic film had before its bonding to the nonwoven web. Some nonwovenwebs, such as webs made of carded staple fibers, are easily stretchableor elongatable even when bonded to an elastic film. During mechanicalactivation, carded webs offer relatively little resistance and, as aresult, a stretchable laminate that includes such carded webs can bepre-strained to a great extent without causing either the carded web orthe elastic film to tear completely. The main drawback of carded webs istheir cost in comparison to other nonwoven webs such as webs thatinclude a layer of spunbond fibers. The relatively inexpensivemanufacturing process used to make spunbond type nonwoven webs can makethem particularly attractive for use in a stretchable laminate but thesewebs tend to be much more difficult to elongate without causing thespunbond web and/or the elastic film to tear during the mechanicalactivation of the laminate. Due to their manufacturing process, spunbondwebs may also have local variations in their basis weight that can causethe spunbond web and the elastic film to tear during mechanicalactivation. A stretchable laminate whose elastic film is torn cannot beused and must be discarded causing undesirable waste and expenses. Astretchable laminate whose nonwoven web is repeatedly torn may beunpleasant to the touch when the laminate is elongated by a caregiver ora user. A nonwoven web that is partially or completely torn offerslittle or no resistance to limit the elongation of the overallstretchable laminate which in turn may potentially lead to the failureof the stretchable element made of the laminate if a caregiver or userelongates the elements abusively.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a stretchablelaminate that includes a spunbond nonwoven web bonded to an elastic filmto form a laminate that is able to endure mechanical activation withoutcausing the spunbond nonwoven web or the elastic film to tear. It isalso an object of the invention to provide a process for making such astretchable laminate. It is still an object of the invention to providean article having at least one element that includes such a stretchablelaminate.

It is believed that at least some of the objects of the invention can beaccomplished by stretchable laminates that include a nonwoven web havinga spunbond layer made of bi-component fibers of a certain type. It isalso believed that at least some of the objects of the invention can beaccomplished by stretchable laminates that include a nonwoven web havinga spunbond layer having a more uniform basis weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a stretchable laminatecomprising:

-   -   a. a first nonwoven web, said first nonwoven web comprising:        -   a first layer of fibers comprising spunbond fibers wherein            said spunbond fibers are multi-component fibers having a            core comprising a first polymer having a first melt            temperature and a sheath comprising a second polymer having            a second melt temperature wherein said second melt            temperature is lower than said first melt temperature, said            first layer having a top and a bottom surface;        -   a second layer of fibers comprising meltblown fibers, said            second layer having a top and a bottom surface wherein the            top surface of said second layer faces said bottom surface            of said first layer; and        -   a third layer of fibers comprising spunbond fibers layer,            said third layer having a top and a bottom surface wherein            said spunbond fibers are multi-component fibers having a            core comprising a first polymer having a first melt            temperature and a sheath comprising a second polymer having            a second melt temperature wherein said second melt            temperature is lower than said first melt temperature,            wherein the top surface of said third layer faces said            bottom surface of said second layer such that said second            layer is positioned between said first and third layers; and    -   b. a web of an elastomeric material having top and bottom        surfaces,    -   wherein the bottom surface of said third layer comprising        spunbond fibers of said first nonwoven web is bonded to said top        surface of said elastomeric web to form a laminate and wherein        at least a portion of said stretchable laminate is activated        such that said first nonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak        Force of at least 0.3 N/cm after activation of at least a        portion of said laminate.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a process of makinga stretchable laminate comprising:

-   -   obtaining a first nonwoven web, said first nonwoven web        comprising:        -   a first layer of fibers comprising spunbond fibers wherein            said spunbond fibers are multi-component fibers having a            core comprising a first polymer having a first melt            temperature and a sheath comprising a second polymer having            a second melt temperature wherein said second melt            temperature is lower than said first melt temperature, said            first layer having a top and a bottom surface;        -   a second layer of fibers comprising meltblown fibers, said            second layer having a top and a bottom surface wherein the            top surface of said second layer faces said bottom surface            of said first layer; and        -   a third layer of fibers comprising spunbond fibers layer,            said third layer having a top and a bottom surface wherein            said spunbond fibers are multi-component fibers having a            core comprising a first polymer having a first melt            temperature and a sheath comprising a second polymer having            a second melt temperature wherein said second melt            temperature is lower than said first melt temperature,            wherein the top surface of said third layer faces said            bottom surface of said second layer such that said second            layer is positioned between said first and third layers;    -   obtaining a web of an elastomeric material having top and bottom        surfaces;    -   bonding the bottom surface of said third layer comprising        spunbond fibers of said first nonwoven web to said top surface        of said elastomeric web; and

activating at least a portion of said laminate such that said firstnonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak Force of at least 0.3 N/cmafter activation of at least a portion of said laminate.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a disposableabsorbent article comprising:

-   -   a chassis having opposing first and second longitudinal side        edges, said chassis comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a        liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent core disposed        between said topsheet and said backsheet; and    -   a pair of stretchable ears or side panels connected to each        longitudinal side edge of said chassis, each of said ears or        side panels comprising a stretchable laminate comprising:        -   a. a first nonwoven web, said first nonwoven web comprising:        -   a first layer of fibers comprising spunbond fibers wherein            said spunbond fibers are multi-component fibers having a            core comprising a first polymer having a first melt            temperature and a sheath comprising a second polymer having            a second melt temperature wherein said second melt            temperature is lower than said first melt temperature, said            first layer having a top and a bottom surface;        -   a second layer of fibers comprising meltblown fibers, said            second layer having a top and a bottom surface wherein the            top surface of said second layer faces said bottom surface            of said first layer; and        -   a third layer of fibers comprising spunbond fibers layer,            said third layer having a top and a bottom surface wherein            said spunbond fibers are multi-component fibers having a            core comprising a first polymer having a first melt            temperature and a sheath comprising a second polymer having            a second melt temperature wherein said second melt            temperature is lower than said first melt temperature,            wherein the top surface of said third layer faces said            bottom surface of said second layer such that said second            layer is positioned between said first and third layers; and    -   b. a web of an elastomeric material having top and bottom        surfaces,    -   wherein the bottom surface of said third layer comprising        spunbond fibers of said first nonwoven web is bonded to said top        surface of said elastomeric web to form a laminate and wherein        at least a portion of said stretchable laminate is activated        such that said first nonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak        Force of at least 0.3 N/cm after activation of at least a        portion of said laminate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stretchable laminate inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stretchable laminate inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stretchable laminate inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a bi-component fiber inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a schematic representation of a nonwoven web manufacturingprocess;

FIG. 5B is a schematic representation of a pattern of thermo-bondsformed on a nonwoven web;

FIG. 6 is a photograph of a stretchable laminate before mechanicalactivation;

FIG. 7 is a photograph of a stretchable laminate after mechanicalactivation;

FIG. 8 is a magnified photograph of a bond site of a stretchablelaminate after mechanical activation;

FIG. 9 is a photograph of a stretchable laminate in accordance with anembodiment of the invention before mechanical activation of thelaminate;

FIG. 10 is a photograph of a stretchable laminate in accordance with anembodiment of the invention after mechanical activation of the laminate;

FIG. 11 is magnified photograph of a bond site of a stretchable laminatein accordance with an embodiment of the invention after mechanicalactivation of the laminate;

FIG. 12 represents tensile curves for various nonwoven webs;

FIGS. 13A-13E are photographs of various webs after mechanicalactivation of a laminate that are delaminated from the laminate;

FIG. 14 represents tensile curves for various delaminated nonwoven websafter mechanical activation;

FIG. 15 represents tensile curves of two stretchable laminates aftermechanical activation;

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a device for mechanicallyactivating a stretchable laminate;

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device for mechanicallyactivating a stretchable laminate;

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of a disposable absorbent article;and

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a disposableabsorbent article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term “activated” refers to a material which has beenmechanically deformed in order to increase the extensibility of at leasta portion of the material. A material may be activated by, for example,incrementally stretching the material in at least one direction.

As used herein, the terms “carded staple fibers” refer to fibers thatare of a discrete length which are sorted, separated, and at leastpartially aligned by a carding process. For example, a carded web refersto a web that is made from fibers which are sent through a combing orcarding unit, which separates or breaks apart and aligns the fibers in,e.g., the machine direction to form a generally machinedirection-oriented fibrous non-woven web. Carded staple fibers may ormay not be bonded after being carded.

As used herein, the terms “elongatable material” “extensible material”or “stretchable material” are used interchangeably and refer to amaterial that, upon application of a biasing force, can stretch to anelongated length of at least 150% of its relaxed, original length (i.e.can stretch to 50% more than its original length), without completerupture or breakage as measured by Tensile Test described in greaterdetail below. In the event such an elongatable material recovers atleast 40% of its elongation upon release of the applied force, theelongatable material will be considered to be “elastic” or“elastomeric.” For example, an elastic material that has an initiallength of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removal of theforce retracts to a length of at least 130 mm (i.e., exhibiting a 40%recovery). In the event the material recovers less than 40% of itselongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable materialwill be considered to be “substantially non-elastic” or “substantiallynon-elastomeric. For example, an elastic material that has an initiallength of 100 mm can extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removal of theforce retracts to a length of at least 145 mm (i.e., exhibiting a 10%recovery).

As used herein, the term “film” refers generally to a relativelynonporous material made by a process that includes extrusion of, e.g., apolymeric material through a relatively narrow slot of a die. The filmmay be impervious to a liquid and pervious to an air vapor, but need notnecessarily be so. Suitable examples of film materials are described inmore detail herinbelow.

As used herein, the term “layer” refers to a sub-component or element ofa web. A “layer” may be in the form of a plurality of fibers made from asingle beam on a multibeam nonwoven machine (for example aspunbond/meltblown/spunbond nonwoven web includes at least one layer ofspunbond fibers, at least one layer of meltblown fibers and at least onelayer of spunbond fibers) or in the form of a film extruded or blownfrom a single die.

As used herein, the term “machine direction” or “MD” is the directionthat is substantially parallel to the direction of travel of a web as itis made. Directions within 45 degrees of the MD are considered to bemachine directional. The “cross direction” or “CD” is the directionsubstantially perpendicular to the MD and in the plane generally definedby the web. Directions within 45 degrees of the CD are considered to becross directional.

As used herein, the term “meltblown fibers” refers to fibers made via aprocess whereby a molten material (typically a polymer), is extrudedunder pressure through orifices in a spinneret or die. High velocity hotair impinges upon and entrains the filaments as they exit the die toform filaments that are elongated and reduced in diameter and arefractured so that fibers of generally variable but mostly finite lengthsare produced. This differs from a spunbond process whereby thecontinuity of the filaments is preserved along their length. Anexemplary meltblown process may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,849,241 toBuntin et al.

As used herein, the term “nonwoven” means a porous, fibrous materialmade from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and/or discontinuous(short) filaments (fibers) by processes such as, for example,spunbonding, meltblowing, carding, and the like. Nonwoven webs do nothave a woven or knitted filament pattern.

As used herein, the term “spunbond fibers” refers to fibers made via aprocess involving extruding a molten thermoplastic material as filamentsfrom a plurality of fine, typically circular, capillaries of aspinneret, with the filaments then being attenuated by applying a drawtension and drawn mechanically or pneumatically (e.g., mechanicallywrapping the filaments around a draw roll or entraining the filaments inan air stream). The filaments may be quenched by an air stream prior toor while being drawn. The continuity of the filaments is typicallypreserved in a spundbond process. The filaments may be deposited on acollecting surface to form a web of randomly arranged substantiallycontinuous filaments, which can thereafter be bonded together to form acoherent nonwoven fabric. Exemplary spunbond process and/or webs formedthereby may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,338,992; 3,692,613, 3,802,817;4,405,297 and 5,665,300.

As used herein, the term “web” refers to an element that includes atleast a fibrous layer or at least a film layer and has enough integrityto be rolled, shipped and subsequently processed (for example a roll ofa web may be unrolled, pulled, taught, folded and/or cut during themanufacturing process of an article having an element that includes apiece of the web). Multiple layers may be bonded together to form a web.

While not intending to limit the utility of the stretchable laminatedescribed herein, it is believed that a brief description of itscharacteristics as they may relate to the laminate manufacturing andintended use will help elucidate the invention. In heretoforestretchable laminates suitable for use, for example, as an element of anabsorbent article, the laminates typically comprise at least a nonwovenweb that is bonded to an elastic film. Modern absorbent articles such asdiaper, pants or adult incontinence products include many elements thatare at one time or another in contact with the caregiver or user's skin.The use of nonwoven materials is particularly advantageous in suchelements due to the soft feel and their cloth-like appearance theyprovide. Modern disposable absorbent articles are also designed toprovide an underwear-like fit. Some of the elements of modern absorbentarticles are provided with elastic components which provide them withelastic properties and contribute not only to the performance but alsothe underwear-like fit of these absorbent articles when worn by a user.Non-limiting examples of such elements that include elastic componentsinclude ear panels of a diaper, side panels of a pant or at least partif not all of the outer cover. Known stretchable laminates typicallyinclude at least a nonwoven web that is bonded to an elastic film. Thelaminate is then mechanically activated to at least partially recoversome of the ease of elongation that the elastic film had prior to beingbonded to the nonwoven web. Mechanical activation of the stretchablelaminate is often achieved by passing at least a portion of the laminatebetween a pair of pressure applicators having three-dimensional surfaceswhich at least to a degree are complementary to one another asdisclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,897 to Weber et al.,issued Dec. 1, 1992 and assigned to The Procter and Gamble Company.Typical stretchable laminates include an elastic film and two separatenonwoven webs that are respectively bonded on each side of the elasticfilm. Known nonwoven webs that have been used to make stretchablelaminates are nonwoven webs made of carded staple fibers and nonwovenwebs that include one or more layers of spunbond fibers such as aspunbond/meltblow/spunbond web. These carded or spunbond webs are madeof mono-component fibers that are typically made of polypropylene.During mechanical activation, a carded web offers relatively littleresistance to its elongation and, as a result, a stretchable laminatethat includes such a carded web may be pre-strained or activated to agreat extent without causing either the carded web or the elastic filmto tear completely. However, carded webs can be rather costly incomparison to spunbond webs. On the other hand, spunbond webs tend to bemuch more difficult to elongate without causing the spunbond web and/orthe elastic web to tear during the mechanical activation of thelaminate. Since manufacturers of absorbent articles are under continuouspressure to reduce manufacturing cost and minimize manufacturing waste,it is believed that the stretchable laminate disclosed hereinafter maybe a suitable alternative to already existing stretchable laminates. Theforegoing considerations are addressed by the present invention, as willbe clear from the detailed disclosures which follow.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings wherein like numerals indicate the same elementsthroughout the views and wherein reference numerals having the same lasttwo digits (e.g., 20 and 120) connote similar elements.

In one embodiment of the invention schematically represented in FIG. 1,a stretchable laminate 10 comprises a nonwoven web 20 that is bonded toan elastic web 30 which form together a bi-laminate. The nonwoven web 20comprises at least one layer 120 of spunbond fibers having top andbottom surface such that the bottom surface of the layer 120 is bondedto top surface or side of the elastic web 30 via an adhesive. Thenonwoven web 20 may comprise additional layers such as for example atleast one layer 220 of meltblown fibers (having top and bottom surfaces)and at least one layer 320 of spunbond fibers (also having top andbottom surfaces). The top surface of layer 220 faces the bottom surfaceof layer 320 and the top surface of layer 120 faces the bottom surfaceof layer 220. The layer 120 of spunbond fibers may have a basis weightof between 2 g/m² and 50 g/m², between 4 g/m² and 25 g/m² or evenbetween 5 g/m² and 20 g/m². The layer 220 of meltblown fibers that mayhave a basis weight of between 0.5 g/m² and 10 g/m², between 0.5 g/m²and 8 g/m² or even between 1 g/m² and 5 g/m². The layer 320 of spunbondfibers may have a basis weight of between 2 g/m² and 50 g/m², between 4g/m² and 25 g/m² or even between 5 g/m² and 20 g/m². The basis weight ofany of the webs described herein may be determined using EuropeanDisposables and Nonwovens Association (“EDANA”) method 40.3-90. Thebasis weight of any of the individual layers described herein, and whichtogether form a web, may be determined by running in sequence each ofthe fiber forming beams that are used to form separate layers and thenmeasuring the basis weight of the consecutive formed layer(s) accordingto EDANA method 40.3-90. By way of example, the basis weight of each ofthe layers of an spunbond/meltblown/spunbond web (comprising a firstlayer of spunbond fibers, a layer of meltblown fibers and a second layerof spunbond fibers) can be determined by first forming the first layerof spunbond fibers without forming the layer of meltblown fibers nor thesecond layer of spunbond fibers. The nonwoven that is produced includesonly the first layer of spunbond fibers and its basis weight can bedetermined according to EDANA method 40.3-90. The basis weight of thelayer of meltblown fibers can be determined by forming the first layerof spunbond fibers under the same conditions as in the previous stepfollowed by formation of the layer of meltblown fibers laid on top ofthe first layer of spunbond fibers. The aggregate basis weight of thespunbond/meltblown web (which is again formed of the first layer ofspundbond fibers and the layer of meltblown fibers) can be determinedaccording to EDANA method 40.3-90. Since the basis weight of the firstlayer of spunbond fibers is known, the basis weight of the layer ofmeltblown fibers can be determined by subtracting the value of the basisweight of the first layer of spunbond fibers from the value of theaggregate basis weight of the spunbond/meltblown web. The basis weightof the second layer of spunbond fibers can be determined by forming thefirst layer of spunbond fibers and the layer of meltblown fibers underthe same conditions as in the previous step followed by the formation ofthe second layer of spunbond fibers laid on top of the layer ofmeltblown fibers. The aggregate basis weight of thespunbond/meltblown/spunbond web can be determined according to EDANAmethod 40.3-90. Since the basis weight of the spunbond/meltblown web isknown, the basis weight of the second layer of spunbond fibers can bedetermined by subtracting the value of the aggregate basis weight of thespunbond/meltblown web from the value of the aggregate basis weight ofthe spunbond/meltblown/spunbond web. The foregoing steps used todetermine the basis weight of individual layers forming a web can beapplied on as many layers as the ultimate nonwoven web includes. Aspreviously discussed, the aggregate basis weight of the nonwoven web 20is equal to the sum of the basis weight of each of its individuallayers. In one embodiment represented in FIG. 2, it can be advantageousto provide the nonwoven web 20 with at least two layers 1120, 2120 ofspunbond fibers (each having top and bottom surfaces) in the portion ofthe web 20 that is disposed on the elastomeric web facing portion of thenonwoven web 20 (i.e. the portion of the nonwoven web located betweenthe layer 220 of meltblown fibers and the elastic web 30) instead of asingle layer 120 of spunbond fibers. It is believed that the at leasttwo separate layers of spunbond fibers may have a combined basis weightequal to the basis weight of the layer 120 of spunbond fibers andprovide a greater level of performance than this single layer 120 duringactivation of at least a portion of the stretchable laminate. It is alsobelieved that the at least two separate layers of spunbond fibers mayhave a combined basis weight that is less than the basis weight of asingle layer 120 of spunbond fibers and provide the same level ofperformance as the single layer 120. By way of example, each of thelayers of spunbond fibers 1120 and 2120 may have a basis weight of 6g/m² as opposed to a single layer of spunbond fibers having a basisweight of at least 12 g/m². Each of the layers 1120 and 2120 of spunbondfibers may have a basis weight of between 1 g/m² and 25 g/m², between 2g/m² and 12.5 g/m² or even between 2.5 g/m² and 10 g/m². It is believedthat at least two separate layers of spunbond fibers provide greaterbasis weight homogeneity to the nonwoven web 20 and in particular to theelastomeric web facing portion of the nonwoven web 20. Without intendingto be bound by any theory, it is also believed that since theelastomeric web facing portion of the nonwoven web 20 is the portion ofthe web that is directly bonded to the elastomeric web, a morehomogeneous basis weight may help prevent local micro-tearing of thenonwoven web 20 during mechanical activation which may propagate to theelastomeric web and cause the elastomeric web 30 to tear. It is believedthat local micro-tearing of the nonwoven web during mechanicalactivation may lead to an over-elongation of the portion of theelastomeric web that is in the immediate vicinity of the micro-tearformed on the nonwoven web. This over-elongation of the elastomeric webmay result in the elastomeric web being torn or ruptured, in particularwhen the elastomeric web is a film. It should be understood that theelastomeric web facing portion of the nonwoven web 20 may include morethan two layers of spunbond fibers with an even lower basis weight toprovide an even greater homogeneity.

In one embodiment, it can also be advantageous to provide the nonwovenweb 20 with at least two layers 1220, 2220 of meltblown fibers (eachhaving top and bottom surfaces) in the central portion of the web 20instead of a single the layer 220 of meltblown fibers. The at least twoseparate layers 1220, 2220 of meltblown fibers may have a combined basisweight equal to the basis weight of the layer 220 of meltblown fibersand provide a greater level of performance than this single layer 120.In the alternative, the at least two separate layers of meltblown fibersmay have a combined basis weight that is less than the basis weight of asingle layer 220 of meltblown fibers and provide the same level ofperformance as the single layer 220. By way of example, each of thelayers of meltblown fibers 1220 and 2220 may have a basis weight of 1g/m² as opposed to a single layer of meltblown fibers having a basisweight of at least 2 g/m². Each of the layers 1220 and 2220 of meltblownfibers may have a basis weight of between 0.25 g/m² and 5 g/m², between0.25 g/m² and 4 g/m² or even between 0.5 g/m² and 2.5 g/m². A layer 220of meltblown fibers may be particularly advantageous when the layer 120or layers 1120, 2120 of spunbond fibers disposed in the elastomeric webfacing portion of the web 20 are adhesively bonded to the elastomericweb 30 with for example a hotmelt adhesive (schematically represented byround dots 15 in FIGS. 1 and 2). It is believed that a meltblown layer220 may prevent the adhesive from reaching and even “bleeding though”the layer of spunbond fibers 320 which is the layer that may be incontact with the caregiver or user's skin. It is believed that twoseparate layers of meltblown fibers having a low basis weight are moreeffective at preventing adhesive “bleed-through” than a single layer ofmeltblown fibers having a higher basis weight. It is also believed thata layer 220 of meltblown fibers may conveniently be used as a “carrierlayer” for additional smaller fibers such as nanofibers (i.e. fibershaving a diameter of less than 1 μm). It is further believed that alayer 220 of meltblown fibers having a homogeneous basis weight may helpachieve a more uniform coverage of any coating applied to the nonwovenweb such as an adhesive coating, a printed ink, a surfactant and/or asoftening agent. It should be understood that the central portion (i.e.the portion of the web disposed between the outer layers of the web) ofthe nonwoven web 20 may include more than two layers 1220, 2220 ofmeltblown fibers with an even lower basis weight in order to provide aneven greater homogeneity. One of ordinary skill will also appreciatethat although the production of each of the layers 1120, 2120 ofspunbond fibers and each or the layers 1220 and 2220 may requireseparate beams, it is believed that the production throughput of thenonwoven web may be increased. In the embodiment represented in FIG. 2,the top surface of layer 1120 faces the bottom surface of layer 2120,the top surface of layer 2120 faces the bottom surface of layer 1220,the top surface of layer 1220 faces the bottom surface of layer 2220 andthe top surface of layer 2220 faces the bottom surface of layer 320.

In one embodiment, it can be also advantageous to provide the nonwovenweb 20 with at least two layers of spunbond fibers in the portion of theweb 20 that is facing away from the elastic web 30 (i.e. the portion ofthe nonwoven web positioned on top of the layer 220 of meltblown fibers)instead of a single the layer 320 of spunbond fibers.

In one embodiment, the elastomeric web 30 may be an elastomeric nonwovenweb or an elastomeric film. The elastic web 30 in the form of a film mayinclude a core layer 130 made of an elastomeric material that may bedirectly bonded to the spunbond layer 120 of the nonwoven web 20. A corelayer 130 can be directly bonded to the nonwoven web 20 by extruding anelastomeric material directly onto a nonwoven web. An adhesive may beadded onto the contact surface of the extruded elastomeric material toincrease the bond strength between the elastomeric web and the nonwovenweb. Non-limiting examples of suitable elastomeric materials includethermoplastic elastomers chosen from at least one of styrenic blockcopolymers, metallocene-catalyzed polyolefins, polyesters,polyurethanes, polyether amides, and combinations thereof. Suitablestyrenic block copolymers may be diblock, triblock, tetrablock, or othermulti-block copolymers having at least one styrenic block. Exemplarystyrenic block copolymers include styrene-butadiene-styrene,styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylenes-styrene,styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, and the like. Commercially availablestyrenic block copolymers include KRATON® from the Shell ChemicalCompany of Houston, Tex.; SEPTON® from Kuraray America, Inc. of NewYork, N.Y.; and VECTOR® from Dexco Chemical Company of Houston, Tex.Commercially available metallocene-catalyzed polyolefins include EXXPOL®and EXACT® from Exxon Chemical Company of Baytown, Tex.; AFFINITY® andENGAGE® from Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Mich. Commerciallyavailable polyurethanes include ESTANE® from Noveon, Inc., Cleveland,Ohio. Commercial available polyether amides include PEBAX® from AtofmaChemicals of Philadelphia, Pa. Commercially available polyesters includeHYTREL® from E. I. DuPont de Nemours Co., of Wilmington, Del. Otherparticularly suitable examples of elastomeric materials includeelastomeric polypropylenes. In these materials, propylene represents themajority component of the polymeric backbone, and as a result, anyresidual crystallinity possesses the characteristics of polypropylenecrystals. Residual crystalline entities embedded in the propylene-basedelastomeric molecular network may function as physical crosslinks,providing polymeric chain anchoring capabilities that improve themechanical properties of the elastic network, such as high recovery, lowset and low force relaxation. Suitable examples of elastomericpolypropylenes include an elastic random poly(propylene/olefin)copolymer, an isotactic polypropylene containing stereoerrors, anisotactic/atactic polypropylene block copolymer, an isotacticpolypropylene/random poly(propylene/olefin) copolymer block copolymer, areactor blend polypropylene, a very low density polypropylene (or,equivalently, ultra low density polypropylene), a metallocenepolypropylene, and combinations thereof. Suitable polypropylene polymersincluding crystalline isotactic blocks and amorphous atactic blocks aredescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,559,262, 6,518,378, and6,169,151. Suitable isotactic polypropylene with stereoerrors along thepolymer chain are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,555,643 and EP 1 256 594A1. Suitable examples include elastomeric random copolymers (RCPs)including propylene with a low level comonomer (e.g., ethylene or ahigher α-olefin) incorporated into the backbone. Suitable elastomericRCP materials are available under the names VISTAMAXX (available fromExxonMobil, Houston, Tex.) and VERSIFY (available from Dow Chemical,Midland, Mich.).

It will be appreciated that elastomeric materials that are typicallyused to form an elastic film may be tacky and cause the elastic film tostick to itself in the event the elastic film is rolled. It may bebeneficial to provide at least one of the surfaces or sides of the corelayer 130 with at least a skin layer 230 made of a material that doesnot stick to itself. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials for useas a skin layer include polyolefins such as polyethylene. Among otherbenefits, a skin layer 230 allows the elastic film 30 to be rolled forshipping and later unrolled for further processing. In one embodiment,the elastic film 30 may include a second skin layer disposed on theother surface or side of the core layer 130. The elastic film web mayhave a basis weight of between 10 g/m² and 150 g/m², between 15 g/m² and100 g/m² or even between 20 g/m² and 70 g/m². The core layer 130 of theelastic film may have a basis weight of between 10 g/m² and 150 g/m²,between 15 g/m² and 100 g/m² or even between 20 g/m² and 70 g/m² and theskin layer 230 (if present) may have a basis weight of between 0.25 g/m²and 15 g/m², between 0.5 g/m² and 10 g/m² or even between 1 g/m² and 7g/m².

In one embodiment schematically represented in FIG. 3, the stretchablelaminate previously discussed in the context of FIG. 2 may additionallycomprise a second nonwoven web 40 bonded to the other surface or side ofthe elastic film 30. The second nonwoven web 40 may be a web of cardedstaple fibers or in the alternative a web comprising at least one layerof spunbond and/or meltblown fibers. In one embodiment, the secondnonwoven web 40 can include any of the layers previously discussed inthe context of the nonwoven web 20 (i.e. nonwoven layers identified byreference numerals 140, 240, 340, 1140, 2140, 1240 and 2240).Consequently, the elastomeric web facing portion of the second nonwovenweb 40 can include one (140), two (1140, 2140) or more layers ofspunbond fibers. The central portion of the second nonwoven web 40 caninclude one (240), two (1240, 2240) or more layers of meltblown fibers.In one embodiment, the nonwoven web 40 is bonded to the elastic film 30such that it forms a mirror image of the nonwoven web 20 relative to theelastic film 30. As such, it can be advantageous (although not required)for each of the nonwoven webs 20 and 40 to be made of the same materialand to include the same arrangement of layers in order to simplify themanufacturing process of the stretchable laminate.

In one embodiment, any of the previously discussed nonwoven layers 120,1120, 2120, 320, 140, 1140, 2140 and 340 of spunbond fibers can compriseor be made of bi-component fibers made of two polyolefin polymers havingdifferent melt temperatures and different tensile properties. In oneembodiment, each of the two polyolefin polymers used to form thebi-component fibers are substantially non-elastic. Bi-component fibersmay have any configuration known in the art but it is believed thatbi-component fibers 50 as represented in FIG. 4 having a core 150distinct from a sheath 250 may be advantageous in particular when thecore 150 comprises a first polymer having a first melt temperature andthe sheath 250 comprises a second polymer having a second melttemperature that is lower than melt temperature of the first polymer. Inone embodiment, the melt temperature of the first polymer forming thecore is at least 130° C., at least 140° C. or even at least 150° C. Themelt temperature of the second polymer forming the sheath is less than150° C., less than 140° C. or even less than 130° C. The melttemperature of a polymer may be determined according to ASTM D 3418. Inone embodiment, the first polymer forming the core may have a density ofat least 0.9 g/cc, at least 0.92 g/cc or at least 0.95 g/cc. The secondpolymer forming the sheath may have a density of less than 0.95 g/cc,less than 0.92 g/cc or less than 0.9 g/cc. The density of a polymer maybe determined according to ASTM D 792.

A process line 60 that may be used to manufacture a nonwoven webincluding two layers of bi-component spunbond fibers, two layers ofmeltblown fibers and one layer of spunbond fibers is schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 5. The process line includes a first beam 160 thatis adapted to produce bi-component spunbond fibers, a second beam 260and a third beam 360 that are adapted to produce meltblown fibers andfourth and fifth beams 460, 560 that are adapted to produce bi-componentspunbond fibers. Each of the beams 160, 460 and 560 that are used toproduce bi-component fibers may be connected to a pair of extruder (notshown) that feed the respective polymers (forming the core and thesheath of the fibers) to spinnerets of the beams as it is well know inthe art. It will be appreciated that various spinneret configurationsmay be used to obtain different bi- or multicomponent fibers. Thebi-component spunbond fibers that are produced by the first beam 160 aredeposited on a forming surface 660 which can be a foraminous belt. Theforming surface 660 may be connected to a vacuum in order to draw thefibers onto the forming surface. The meltblown fibers that are producedby the second beam 260 are then deposited onto the first layer ofbi-component spunbond fibers. The fibers of each subsequent beam aredeposited onto the layer formed by the preceding beam. The resulting webof five layers may then be thermo point bonded with a pair of rollers760 as it is well know in the art. It will also be appreciated that thenumber, the order of the beams and the type of fibers produced by eachbeam may be adjusted as needed to produce a desired multi-layersnonwoven web. When meltblown fibers are laid onto a first (or even asecond) layer of spunbond fibers, some of the meltblown fibers aredeposited into the interstices formed by the much larger spunbond fibersand some fibers are even able to reach the side of the spunbond layerthat is resting on top of the forming surface through these interstices.When such an SMS includes at least a layer of spunbond bi-componentfibers having a sheath made for example of polyethylene and at least alayer of meltblown fibers made for example of polypropylene, it isobserved that the meltblown fibers extending through the interstices ofthe first layer of spunbond fibers (i.e. the layer laid directly on theforming surface) may easily be removed when this side of the nonwovenSMS web is rubbed against another surface. The removal of these fibersmay result in various problems depending on which side of the SMS isultimately the most likely to be subject to rubbing against anothersurface. For example, an adhesive may be applied directly onto one ofthe sides of an SMS web in order to bond the SMS web to another web. Onesuitable process to apply an adhesive directly onto the web is slotcoating. In a slot coating process, a side of a web is moved against adie which includes one or more openings through which a molten hotmeltadhesive is delivered. The molten hotmelt adhesive can cause the die toreach a relatively elevated temperature which can at least soften oreven melt the polyethylene sheath of the spunbond fibers. In addition,the continuous rubbing of the nonwoven web against the die can cause themeltblown fibers protruding through the interstices of the firstspunbond layer to break and to accumulate against the die when theexterior surface of this layer is rubbed against the die. Thisaccumulation of meltblown polypropylene fibers in combination with thepresence of soften or even molten polyethylene can lead to frequentinterruptions of the manufacturing process (in order to clean the die)and waste of material. It will be appreciated that such an issue may notoccur when the fibers forming the meltblown layer and the sheath of thebi-component fibers forming the spunbond layer include a similar polymersuch as a polypropylene. When a slot coating process is used, it cantherefore be advantageous to apply an adhesive directly on the exteriorfacing surface of the spunbond layer that has been formed last duringthe web manufacturing process (i.e. the layer that includes no or verylittle meltblown fibers protruding through interstices of a spunbondlayer). In another embodiment, a hotmelt adhesive having a lower meltand application temperature may be used to help lower the temperature ofthe die during the slot coating process. Lowering the temperature of thedie below the melt temperature of polyethylene used to make the sheathof the bi-component fibers, reduces the chances that the polyethylenesheath may melt during the slot coating process. In an alternativeembodiment, a high or low melt temperature adhesive may be applied onthe exterior facing surface of either the first or last spunbond layerformed during the web manufacturing process, via a direct (i.e. directcontact between the application tool and the web surface) butlow-rubbing application process. By “low-rubbing application process,”it is meant a process where at least a portion of the application andthe web are in motion during application of the adhesive in order tominimize the rubbing of the web against the application tool. Oneexample of such a process include printing the adhesive onto the webwith gravure roll as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,025 to Lender etal., issued Mar. 11, 2003 and assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company.In yet another embodiment, a high or low melt temperature adhesive maybe applied on the exterior facing surface of either the first or lastspunbond layer formed during the web manufacturing process, via anindirect (i.e. no direct contact between the application tool and theweb surface) application process. A suitable example of such a processincludes spraying the adhesive onto the web.

As previously discussed, at least one of the layers (that includebi-component fibers) of a nonwoven web may be adhesively bonded to theelastomeric web with for example a hotmelt adhesive. In one embodiment,a hotmelt adhesive is applied directly onto the nonwoven web at atemperature that is less than the melt temperature of the polymer thatforms the sheath of the bi-component fibers. In one embodiment, ahotmelt adhesive is applied in a molten/liquid phase at a temperature ofless than 150° C., less than 140° C. or even less than 130° C. such thatthe molten adhesive does not cause the polymer that forms the sheath ofthe fibers to melt significantly. Non-limiting examples of hotmeltadhesive that can be applied in a molten/liquid phase at suchtemperatures are disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No.2007/0088116 to Abba et al. filed Oct. 14, 2005, published Apr. 19,2007, and assigned to Bostik, Inc. 11320 Watertown Plank Road,Wauwatosa, Wis. 53226. However, it may also be advantageous to apply anadhesive indirectly to the nonwoven web (i.e. without direct contact ofthe application tool against the nonwoven web) at a temperature that ishigher than the melt temperature of the polymer forming the sheath aslong as the temperature of the adhesive is less than the melttemperature of the polymer forming the sheath of the fibers once theadhesive reaches the fibers of the web. It is believed that under suchconditions, the adhesive does not cause the sheath of the fibers to meltsignificantly. In an alternative embodiment, it may be advantageous toapply an adhesive onto the nonwoven web at a temperature that is higherthan the melt temperature of the polymer forming the sheath of thebi-component fibers. The adhesive may be applied at temperature of atleast 130° C., at least 140° C. or even at least 150° C. Non-limitingexamples of such hotmelt adhesive include ZEROCREEP that is availablefrom Bostik. It is believed that when a hotmelt adhesive is applied tothe nonwoven at a temperature that is higher than the melt temperatureof the polymer forming the sheath of the bi-component fibers, the sheathmay melt and increase the number of bonds between individual fibers andbetween the fibers and the skin layer of an elastomeric web especiallywhen the composition of the skin layer comprises is substantial the sameas the composition of the polymer forming the sheath. In one embodiment,any of the layers of spunbond fibers previously discussed in the contextof a nonwoven web 20 and/or 40, may comprise bi-component fibers of thecore/sheath type such that the core of these fibers comprises apolypropylene polymer and the sheath of these fibers comprises apolyethylene polymer. Nonwoven webs are typically thermo point bonded toprovide the web with enough integrity to be rolled and further processedat a later time. One suitable example of a thermo point bonding processincludes calendering using calender rolls with a bonding pattern. Duringthe calendering process, bonds are formed on or through the web bylocally applying pressure and heat to cause the polymer of the fibers toflow within the bond region. However, it is believed that thecalendering temperature of any of the previously described nonwoven websthat includes a layer of spunbond bi-component fibers should be greaterthan the melt temperature of the polymer forming the sheath of thefibers but that it should also be lower than the melt temperature of thepolymer forming the core of those fibers. It is believed that acalendering temperature greater than the melt temperature of both thepolymers forming the bi-component fibers may have an adverse impact onthe tensile properties of the nonwoven web in particular when thenonwoven web includes core/sheath type bi-component fibers. It isbelieved that when the calendering temperature of a bi-component fiberweb is greater than the melt temperature of both the polymers formingthe bi-component fibers, these fibers are weakened in the vicinity ofthe thermo-bonds and that, as a result, such a nonwoven web may be moreprone to localize tearing during mechanical activation which may alsoresult in the elastic film being torn as well. In one embodiment, any ofthe nonwoven webs disclosed herein that include bi-component fibers arethermo point bonded at between 110° C. and 140° C., between 115° C. and135° C. or even between 120° C. and 130° C. In contrast, when thecalendering temperature of a bi-component fiber web is less than themelt temperature of the polymer forming the core but is higher than themelt temperature of the polymer forming the sheath of the bi-componentfibers, the core of these fibers maintain a sufficient level of strengthwhich allows the web to elongate to a greater extent with a reducedchance of catastrophic failure of the nonwoven web during mechanicalactivation of a laminate. FIGS. 6 through 11 are pictures of twononwoven webs and are taken with an electron microscope. FIG. 6 is apicture of a spunbond/meltblown/spunbond nonwoven web whose fibers aremade of a mono-component polypropylene and that has been calendered at atemperature higher than the melt temperature of the polypropylene usedto make the fibers of the web. The nonwoven web of FIG. 6 is bonded toan elastic film that is not visible on this picture. Three bond sitesare visible on this picture. FIG. 7 is a picture of the same nonwovenweb of FIG. 6 in an area of the web that has been mechanicallyactivated. Four bond sites are at least partially visible on thispicture. The left side of the picture includes two bond sites that havebeen strained during mechanical activation of the laminate. Several ofthe spunbond fibers have “popped out” of the bond site they were part ofprior to mechanical activation as can be seen in FIG. 8 which is amagnified picture of one of the bond sites shown in FIG. 7. Some ofthese fibers have even been broken during mechanical activation. FIG. 9is a picture of a spunbond/meltblown/spunbond nonwoven web whose fibersare made of polypropylene/polyethylene bi-component fibers of thecore/sheath type that has been calendered at a temperature higher thanthe melt temperature of the polyethylene but lower than the melttemperature of the polypropylene used to make the fibers of the spunbondlayers. The nonwoven web of FIG. 9 is bonded to an elastic film that isnot visible on this picture. FIG. 10 is a picture of the samespunbond/meltblown/spunbond nonwoven web as in FIG. 9 in an area of thenonwoven web that has been subjected to mechanical activation. Theelastic film of the laminate is at least partially visible in the leftportion of the picture. Although the bond sites visible in FIG. 10appear to have been deformed or strained during mechanical action, veryfew of the bi-component spunbond fibers have “popped out” of the bondsites. In addition, very few of these fibers appear to have been brokenduring mechanical activation. FIG. 11 is a magnified picture of one ofthe bond sites of the nonwoven web of FIG. 10. The molten polyethylenesheath is at least partially visible in this picture. It should be notedthat the nonwoven web represented in FIGS. 6 through 8 is disposed onone side of an elastic film and that the nonwoven web represented inFIGS. 9 through 11 is disposed on the other side of the elastic film toform a stretchable laminate.

To further illustrate the benefit of a nonwoven web that includes layersof spunbond bi-component fibers in comparison to a nonwoven web thatincludes layers of spunbond mono-component fiber, the tensile curve ofdifferent samples of nonwoven webs is measured in the cross-machinedirection of the webs.

Pre-Activation Tensile Test:

A first tensile test that is intended to mimic the behavior of anonwoven web during mechanical activation in the CD direction of alaminate is performed on several nonwoven webs. This test is donefollowing EDANA method 20.2-89 with the following changes. A specimenmeasuring 10 mm (along the CD of the web) by 25 mm (along the MD of theweb) of a given nonwoven web is delicately cut from the web. The tensilecurve of this specimen is obtained by gripping the edges parallel to theMachine Direction of the specimen with clamps connected to a tensiletester such as a tester from MTS. The gauge length (i.e. clamp to clampseparation) is approximately 5 mm. The tensile curve is obtained at across-head displacement speed of approximately 2 mm/s. In order tominimize the influence of the basis weight of each web sample beingtested, each curve is normalized for the basis weight of the samplebeing tested (i.e. the values of the force applied are divided by thevalue of the aggregate basis weight of the web sample being tested). Theelongation of each sample is reported on the x axis in percentelongation while the force applied to each sample is reported on the yaxis in Newton per centimeter grams (N·m²/g·cm). The specimen is pulleduntil it ruptures (i.e. the post peak force response reaches a valueless than 10% of the peak force). Results of the tensile tests arerepresented in FIG. 12.

The tensile curve indicated by Roman numeral I is obtained on a nonwovenweb made of carded staple fibers having an average diameter of 18.4microns and having an aggregate basis weight of 27 g/m². Such a cardednonwoven web is commercially available from Albis Germany Nonwoven GmbH,Aschersleben DE. The tensile curve indicated by Roman numeral II isobtained on a SMMS nonwoven web made of mono-component polypropylenefibers and having an aggregate basis weight of 17 g/m². The fibers ofthe first and second spunbond layers have an average diameter of 19microns and each have a basis weight basis weight of 7.25 g/m². Thefibers of each of the two layers meltblown layers of this web have anaverage diameter of 2.4 microns and each meltblown layer has a basisweight of 1.25 g/m². Such a SMMS nonwoven web is commercially availablefrom Fibertex, from Aalborg Denmark. The tensile curve indicated byRoman numeral III is obtained on a SSMMS nonwoven web whose spunbondlayers are made of bi-component polypropylene/polyethylene fibers of thecore/sheath type and having an aggregate basis weight of 20 g/m². Thefibers of each of the layers of spunbond bi-component fibers have anaverage diameter of 19.0 microns and each of these layers has a basisweight of 6 g/m². The ratio of polypropylene to polyethylene of thebi-component fibers is approximately 70/30 by weight. The fibers of eachof the two layers meltblown fibers of this web have an average diameterof 2.6 microns and each meltblown layer has a basis weight of 1 g/m².This SSMMS nonwoven web is provided by Pegas Nonwovens s.r.o., ZnojmoCZ. The tensile curve indicated by Roman numeral IV is obtained on aSSMMS nonwoven web whose spunbond layers are made of bi-componentpolypropylene/polyethylene fibers of the core/sheath type and having anaggregate basis weight of 20 g/m². The fibers of each of the layers ofspunbond bi-component fibers have an average diameter of 20.0 micronsand each of these layers has a basis weight of 6 g/m². The ratio ofpolypropylene to polyethylene of the bi-component fibers isapproximately 70/30. The fibers of each of the two layers meltblownlayers of this web have an average diameter of 2.6 microns and eachmeltblown layer has a basis weight of 1 g/m². This SSMMS nonwoven web isprovided by Pegas. The tensile curve of the carded nonwoven webindicates that this web does not require a lot of force to be elongated(the maximum force peaks at approximately 6.6 10E-2 Nm²/gcm for anelongation of approximately 250% in the sample tested) and it maintainsmost of its integrity even at a high elongation (the sample tested isable to elongate 900% its original length). The SMMS nonwoven web thatincludes mono-component fibers of polypropylene requires a much greateramount of force to be elongated (the maximum force peaks atapproximately 22 10E-2 Nm²/gcm for an elongation of approximately 100%in the sample tested) and rapidly deteriorates (the sample tested is notable to sustain an elongation greater than about 330%). In contrast, thenonwoven webs that include layers of bi-component fibers maintain theirintegrity well past the maximum elongation obtained on a nonwoven webmade of mono-component fibers. The maximum force applied to first ofthese nonwoven webs (that includes layers of bi-component spunbondfibers and is identified by Roman numeral III) peaks at approximately18.5 10E-2 Nm²/gcm for an elongation of approximately 180% and thisnonwoven web maintains most of its integrity even when it is elongatedto approximately 500% of its original length. The maximum force appliedto the second of these nonwoven webs (that also includes layers ofbi-component spunbond fibers and is identified by Roman numeral IV)peaks at approximately 13 10E-2 Nm²/gcm for an elongation ofapproximately 270% and this nonwoven web maintains most of its integrityeven when elongated to approximately 700% of its original length. In oneembodiment, a stretchable laminate can include a nonwoven web thatincludes spunbond fibers which may be bi-component fibers as previouslydiscussed, and which has a resistance to elongation of at least 5 10E-2Nm²/gcm, at least 7.5 10E-2 Nm²/gcm or even 1 10E-1 Nm²/gcm when asample of this nonwoven web is elongated to 300% of its original length.In one embodiment, a stretchable laminate can include a nonwoven webthat includes spunbond fibers which may be bi-component fibers aspreviously discussed, and which has a resistance to elongation of atleast 5 10E-2 Nm²/gcm when a sample of this nonwoven web is elongated to300%, 400% or even 500% of its original length. It is believed that anonwoven web having at least one of the previous characteristics is ableto sustain mechanical activation in particular when a plurality of theportions of the stretchable laminate are subjected to an elongationhigher than 300%.

It is observed that the tensile responses or curves of each of thenonwoven web samples all include a pre-activation maximum peak force(hereinafter “PA-MPF”) or load after which the nonwoven webs startdegrading or deteriorating. It is believed that the rate or “speed” atwhich a sample nonwoven web deteriorates after it has reached its PA-MPFmay be a good indicator of the nonwoven web performance when bonded toan elastic film to form a stretchable laminate. One suitable way todetermine the deterioration rate of a nonwoven web is to measure theslope of a straight line that connects the PA-MPF point on the curve tothe point on the tensile curve representing a decrease in strain ofapproximately 30% after the PA-MPF. The absolute value of this slope iscalculated in order to obtain a positive value. These lines arerepresented with dashed lines on FIG. 12 for the reader's convenience.The deterioration rate after a decrease in strain of approximately 30%(herein after Dr_(30%) of the nonwoven web made of carded staple fibers(indicated by Roman numeral I) is equal to approximately 1.4 10E-2

$\left( {i.e.\mspace{14mu}{\frac{\left( {0.046 - 0.066} \right)}{\left( {3.9 - 2.5} \right)}}} \right).$The Dr_(30%) of the nonwoven web made of a SMMS nonwoven web made ofmono-component polypropylene fibers (indicated by Roman numeral II) isequal to approximately 10.6 10E-2

$\left( {i.e.\mspace{14mu}{\frac{\left( {0.15 - 0.22} \right)}{\left( {1.64 - 0.98} \right)}}} \right).$The Dr_(30%) of the SSMMS nonwoven web whose spunbond layers are made ofbi-component polypropylene/polyethylene fibers of the core/sheath type(indicated by Roman numeral III) is equal to approximately 4 10E-2

$\left( {i.e.\mspace{14mu}{\frac{\left( {0.128 - 0.184} \right)}{\left( {3.2 - 1.8} \right)}}} \right).$The Dr_(30%) of the nonwoven web whose spunbond layers are made ofbi-component polypropylene/polyethylene fibers of the core/sheath type(indicated by Roman numeral IV) is equal to approximately 4.1 10E-2

$\left( {i.e.\mspace{14mu}{\frac{\left( {0.09 - 0.131} \right)}{\left( {3.72 - 2.72} \right)}}} \right).$One of ordinary skill will appreciate that a nonwoven web having arelatively high Dr_(30%) value may tend to deteriorate rapidly after theweb has been strained or elongated past its PA-MPF. Conversely, anonwoven web having a relatively low Dr_(30%) value may tend to maintainits integrity after the web has been strained or elongated past itsPA-MPF. In one embodiment, a stretchable laminate includes an elasticfilm and at least a nonwoven web bonded to one side of this film andwhich comprises at least one layer of spunbond fibers, preferablybi-component fibers, having a Dr_(30%) of less than 10 10E-2. Thisnonwoven web may also have a Dr_(30%) of less than 8 10E-2, less than 610E-2, or even less than 5 10E-2. In one embodiment, it may beadvantageous for this nonwoven web to have a Dr_(30%) of between 1 10E-2and 10 10E-2, between 2 10E-2 and 8 10E-2, or even between 3 10E-2 and 610E-2, It is worth noting that although the aggregate basis weight ofthe nonwoven webs that include bi-component spunbond fiber (indicated byRoman numerals III and IV) is higher than the basis weight of thenonwoven web that is made of mono-component spunbond fibers, theirPA-MPF is surprisingly lower than the PA-MPF of the nonwoven web that ismade of mono-component spunbond fibers. It is also worth noticing thatthe nonwoven webs that include bi-component spunbond fibers reach theirrespective PA-MPF at a significantly higher elongation than theelongation obtained when the nonwoven web made of mono-componentspunbond fibers reaches its own PA-MPF.

In order to confirm the benefit of a nonwoven web comprising thespunbond bi-component fibers previously described, two differentexamples of stretchable laminates are made and activated. A firststretchable laminate is made and comprises a first nonwoven web layersimilar to the one previously discussed and identified by Roman numeralI that is bonded to one side of an elastic film and a second nonwovenweb similar to the one previously discussed and identified by Romannumeral II is bonded to the other side of the elastic film. Bothnonwoven webs are bonded to the film with a hotmelt adhesive. A secondstretchable laminate is also made and comprises a first nonwoven weblayer similar to the one previously discussed and identified by Romannumeral II that is bonded to one side of an elastic film and a secondnonwoven web similar to the one previously discussed and identified byRoman numeral III is bonded to the other side of the elastic film. Bothnonwoven webs are bonded to the film with a hotmelt adhesive. All of thelayers used to make the first and second examples of stretchablelaminates have a Machine Direction equal or greater than 25 mm and aCross Machine Direction equal or greater than 75 mm. A central portionthat includes the film layer and measuring approximately 40 mm of eachof the stretchable laminates is mechanically activated by passing this40 mm central portion between a pair of pressure applicators havingthree-dimensional surfaces which at least to a degree are complementaryto one another at a Depth of Engagement of approximately 6 mm. A moredetailed description of a suitable mechanical activation process isprovided below. It should be noted that these two stretchable laminatesare subjected to the same amount or level of mechanical activation. Alaminate specimen measuring 75 mm (along the CD of the laminate) by 25mm (along the MD of the laminate) of each of the laminate examples iscut such that the 40 mm central region that has previously beenactivated is centered on each laminate specimen. The nonwoven webs oneach side of the stretchable laminate specimen are then removed from theelastic film by first soaking the specimen into acetone for about 15seconds in order to dissolve the adhesive and then delicately remove thenonwoven web from the elastic film. In the event the adhesive does notdissolve any other solvent that can dissolve the adhesive withoutsignificantly damaging the nonwoven web can be used. Once thedelaminated nonwoven web is removed from the film, the specimen shouldbe left to dry for approximately 30 minutes before further testing.FIGS. 13A-13B are pictures (taken on a dark background for clarity)showing one example of the elastic film and each of the nonwoven websafter the webs are removed from the film. It can be observed in thepictures shown in FIGS. 13A and 13E that the nonwoven webs that includelayers of mono-component spunbond fibers are visibly torn in the areasof the web that have been subjected to mechanical activation. Incontrast, it can be observed that although the nonwoven web made ofcarded staple fibers (FIG. 13D) and the nonwoven web that includeslayers of bi-component spunbond fibers (FIG. 13B) are highly elongated,the areas that are subjected to mechanical activation are not torn andmany fibers are present in the portions that are mechanically activated.FIG. 13 is a picture of a typical film after removal of the nonwovenwebs. The tensile curve of these mechanically activated nonwoven webs(removed from the elastic film) is measured in order to determinewhether these mechanically activated nonwoven webs may still opposefurther elongation. The tensile curve of each nonwoven web specimen isobtained under a different tensile test that is intended to mimic actualuse of the laminate. This second test is done following EDANA method20.2-89 with the following changes. Each specimen measures 75 mm (alongthe CD of the web) by 25 mm (along the MD of the web) and the tensilecurve of the specimen is obtained by gripping the edges parallel to theMachine Direction of the specimen with clamps connected to a tensiletester such as a tester from MTS. The gauge length (i.e. clamp to clampseparation) is approximately 70 mm. The tensile curve is obtained at across-head displacement speed of approximately 2 mm/s. The elongation ofeach specimen is reported on the x axis in percent elongation while theforce applied to each sample is reported on the y axis in Newton percentimeter (N/cm). The specimen is pulled until it ruptures (i.e. thepost peak force response reaches a value less than 10% of the peakforce). The tensile curve of each of these mechanically activatednonwoven webs is represented in FIG. 14. The tensile curve indicated byRoman numeral V is obtained for a SSMMS web that includes bi-componentfibers and is delaminated from a mono-component SMMS/elastic film/SSMMSlaminate. The tensile curve indicated by Roman numeral VI is obtainedfor a web of carded staple fibers and is delaminated from amono-component SMMS/elastic film/Carded web laminate. The tensile curveindicated by Roman numeral VII is obtained for a SMMS web that is madeof mono-component fibers and is delaminated from a mono-componentSMMS/elastic film/Carded web laminate. The tensile curve indicated byRoman numeral VIII is obtained for a SMMS web that is made ofmono-component fibers and is delaminated from a mono-componentSMMS/elastic film/SSMMS laminate. One possible way to characterize suchnonwoven webs after removal from the stretchable laminate is todetermine their Residual Maximum Peak Force (hereinafter “R-MPF”). By“Residual Maximum Peak Force” it is meant the maximum peak force of atleast one of the nonwoven webs used to form a stretchable laminate afterat least a portion of the stretchable laminate is activated. It can beobserved that the nonwoven webs that include layers of mono-componentspunbond fibers oppose very little resistance to elongation. The R-MPFof the mono-component SMS web indicated by Roman numeral VII is lessthan approximately 0.15 N/cm and the R-MPF of the mono-component SMS webindicated by Roman numeral VIII is less than approximately 0.1 N/cm. TheR-MPF of the nonwoven web that includes bi-component fibers and isindicated by Roman numeral V is at least approximately 0.6 N/cm whilethe R-MPF of the mono-component carded web indicated by Roman numeral VIis at least approximately 0.45 N/cm. It is believed that these resultsconfirm that these nonwoven webs have been significantly torn orshredded during mechanical activation of the stretchable laminate. Incontrast, the nonwoven webs made of carded staple fibers and thenonwoven web that includes layers of bi-component spunbond fibers arestill able to resist elongation and contribute to the strength of thestretchable laminate. It can be advantageous for any of the previouslydescribed stretchable laminate to include a nonwoven web comprisingbi-component spunbond fibers such that this nonwoven spunbond web has aR-MPF of at least 0.3 N/cm, at least 0.4 N/cm or even at least 0.5 N/cm.It may also be advantageous for any of the previously describedstretchable laminate to include a nonwoven web comprising bi-componentspunbond fibers such that this nonwoven spunbond web has a R-MPF of lessthan 2.5 N/cm, less than 2 N/cm, less than 1.5 N/cm or even less than 1N/cm. It is believed that a nonwoven web that has bi-component spunbondfibers (preferably of the core/sheath type) is capable of enduringmechanical activation at a higher depth of engagement and/or a higherspeed than a nonwoven web that is made exclusively of mono-componentfibers. As a result, a stretchable laminate including such a nonwovenweb and an elastic film having a given basis weight and tensileproperties may also be activated to a higher level. In the alternative,a stretchable laminate including such a nonwoven web with bi-componentfibers and an elastic film having a reduced basis weight and/or tensileproperties may be activated to substantially the same level as astretchable laminate having a nonwoven web made of mono-component fibersand an elastic film having a greater basis weight and/or tensileproperties.

As further discussed below, any of the previously described stretchablelaminates may be used as components of disposable absorbent articles(for example diapers or pants) that may include stretchable ears or sidepanels. Disposable absorbent articles that are commercially availableinclude stretchable ears or side panels which are made from astretchable laminate comprising nonwoven webs made of mono-componentfibers. It is typical for a caregiver or a user to elongate the ears orside panel from 85% to 125% of the ear or side panel original length. Itis believed that an elongation from 85% to 125% of the stretchableelement' original length, provides adequate fit and comfort to thewearer. However, it is also believed that some caregivers and users may(knowingly or unknowingly) elongate these stretchable elements wellabove 125% of the element's original length. Such a high elongation mayresult in the wearer feeling some discomfort but it may also result inthe tearing of stretchable element which, in turn, renders the absorbentarticle unusable. It is believed that these drawbacks may be minimizedin not eliminated by providing a stretchable element made of any of thepreviously described stretchable laminates (that include a nonwoven webwith bi-component fibers) that can signal to the caregiver or the userthat the stretchable element should not be elongated any further. Thissignal may be provided by way of a stretchable laminate whose resistanceto elongation increases noticeably when the stretchable element iselongated more than 100% of its original relaxed length. FIG. 15represents the tensile curves that are obtained for two differentstretchable laminates. The first stretchable laminate (indicated byRoman numeral IX) includes a nonwoven SMMS web made of mono-componentfibers (having an aggregate basis weight of 17 g/m²), an elastic film(having a basis weight of 54.5 GSM) which is a coextruded film havingstyrene block copolymer elastomeric core and polyolefin skin, and a webof carded mono-component fibers (having a basis weight of 27 g/m²). Thesecond stretchable laminate (indicated by Roman numeral X) includes anonwoven SMMS web made of mono-component fibers (having an aggregatebasis weight of 17 g/m²), an elastic film (having a basis weight of 54.5g/m²) similar to the one previously discussed and a SSMMS web thatincludes bi-component spunbond fibers (having an aggregate basis weightof 20 g/m²). It can be observed that these tensile curves aresubstantially identical up to an elongation of 80% of the laminate'soriginal length. It can also be observed that the force required toelongate the stretchable laminate that has a SSMMS web that includesbi-component spunbond fibers is greater than the force required toelongate the stretchable laminate that has a web of cardedmono-component fibers when the stretchable laminates are elongated morethan 85% of their respective original length. The difference between theamount of force required to elongate both laminates (herein after“Δ_(F)”) can be as high as approximately 0.5N/cm at an elongation from110% to 160% of the stretchable laminates original length. It isbelieved that a caregiver or a user may start noticing this increasedresistance to elongation when he or she attempts to elongate thestretchable element (including several cm² of the stretchable laminate)of an article beyond 85% of the stretchable element original length. Itis also believed that an increased resistance to elongation maycommunicate to the caregiver or user that the stretchable element shouldnot be elongated any further. It is further believed that the residualresistance to elongation of a web (in particular in a web includingbi-component fibers) after the laminate is mechanically activated,provides the increased resistance to elongation that occurs when thestretchable laminate is elongated more than 85% of its original length.It can be advantageous for any of the previously described stretchablelaminate to include a nonwoven web that comprises bi-component spunbondfibers and that is such that the force required to elongate this webafter mechanical activation of stretchable laminate at an elongation ofbetween 85% and 125% is between 0.2 N/cm and 1.5 N/cm, between 0.3 N/cmand 1.2 N/cm or even between 0.4 N/cm and 1 N/cm. It is believed that anonwoven web that has bi-component spunbond fibers (preferably of thecore/sheath type) can conveniently be used to make a stretchablelaminate that will provide a noticeable resistance to elongation when astretchable element made of this stretchable material is elongated morethan 85% of its original length.

Mechanical Activation of a Laminate:

Any of the previously discussed stretchable laminate can be mechanicallyactivated (i.e. pre-strained) such that the laminate recovers some ofthe elasticity it lost when all the webs forming the laminate are bondedtogether. A non-limiting example of a process for mechanicallyactivating a stretchable laminate is schematically represented in FIGS.16 and 17. The device shown in those figures include a pair of pressureapplicators 34, 36 having three-dimensional surfaces which at least to adegree are complementary to one another. A pressure applicator (orroler) includes at least one engaging portion or tooth 134 (but may alsoinclude a plurality) corresponding to a recess portion 136 of the otherpressure applicator. A pressure applicator preferably includes aplurality of engaging portions or teeth 134 and recess portions 234 thatcan intermesh with a corresponding recess portions 136 and engagingportions or teeth 236 on the other pressure applicator. When thelaminate passes in between the pressure applicators 34, 36, portions ofthe laminate are strained. The stretchable laminate is able to relax andreturn substantially to its original width as it “exits” the pressureapplicators. The degree of mechanical activation may be adjusted byvarying the number of engaging portions and recess portions and thedepth of engagement of the pressure applicators on the stretchablelaminate. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that otherprocesses for mechanically activating a stretchable laminate may be usedand still provide the same benefits.

With reference to FIG. 17, which shows a portion of the intermeshing ofthe engaging portions 134 and 236 of pressure applicators 34 and 36,respectively, the term “pitch” refers to the distance between the apexesof adjacent engaging portions. The pitch can be between approximately0.02 to approximately 0.30 inches (0.51-7.62 mm), and is preferablybetween approximately 0.05 and approximately 0.15 inches (1.27-3.81 mm).The height (or depth) of the teeth is measured from the base of thetooth to the apex of the tooth, and is preferably equal for all teeth.The height of the teeth can be between approximately 0.10 inches (2.54mm) and 0.90 inches (22.9 mm), and is preferably approximately 0.25inches (6.35 mm) and 0.50 inches (12.7 mm). The engaging portions 134 inone pressure applicator can be offset by one-half the pitch from theengaging portions 236 in the other pressure applicator, such that theengaging portions of one pressure applicator (e.g., engaging portion134) mesh in the recess portions 136 (or valleys) located betweenengaging portions in the corresponding pressure applicator. The offsetpermits intermeshing of the two pressure applicators when the pressureapplicators are “engaged” or in an intermeshing, operative positionrelative to one another. In one embodiment, the engaging portions of therespective pressure applicators are only partially intermeshing. Thedegree to which the engaging portions on the opposing pressureapplicators intermesh is referred to herein as the “depth of engagement”or “DOE” of the engaging portions. As shown in FIG. 17, the DOE is thedistance between a position designated by plane P1 where the apexes ofthe engaging portions on the respective pressure applicators are in thesame plane (0% engagement) to a position designated by plane P2 wherethe apexes of the engaging portions of one pressure applicators extendinward beyond the plane P1 toward the recess portions on the opposingpressure applicator. The optimum or effective DOE for particularlaminates is dependent upon the height and the pitch of the engagingportions and the materials of the web. In other embodiments the teeth ofthe mating rolls need not be aligned with the valleys of the opposingrolls. That is, the teeth may be out of phase with the valleys to somedegree, ranging from slightly offset to greatly offset.

A laminate including any of the webs previously discussed may be adaptedfor use in a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, a pant, anadult incontinence product a sanitary napkin or any other article thatmay benefit from having at least a portion thereon that is elasticallystretchable. In one embodiment, ears or side panels may be cut from sucha stretchable laminate and one side edge of the ear may be attached tothe chassis of a disposable absorbent article. A disposable absorbentarticle 70 that include a back waist region 170, a crotch region 270 anda front waist region 370 is schematically represented in FIG. 18. A pairof ears 75 are attached along their respective proximal edge to the leftand right sides of the disposable absorbent article respectively. Afastener such as a mechanical comprising a plurality of extending hooksor an adhesive may be connected to a portion of the ear or side panelabout the distal edge of the ear or side panel. Such a fastener may incombination with the laminate stretchability provide for properplacement and attachment of the absorbent article about the lower torsoof a wearer. In another embodiment, any such laminate may be used as anintegral outer cover for an absorbent article. A typical chassis of adisposable absorbent article 70 may include a liquid pervious top sheet470, a liquid impervious backsheet 570 and an absorbent core 670disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet and are schematicallyrepresented in FIG. 19. An absorbent article may also include anyfeatures that may be suitable for such an article and are known in theart.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”. Every document cited herein, including any crossreferenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention

1. A stretchable laminate comprising: a. a first nonwoven web, saidfirst nonwoven web comprising: a first layer of fibers comprisingspunbond fibers wherein said spunbond fibers are multi-component fibershaving a core comprising a first polymer having a first melt temperatureand a sheath comprising a second polymer having a second melttemperature wherein said second melt temperature is lower than saidfirst melt temperature, said first layer having a top and a bottomsurface; a second layer of fibers comprising meltblown fibers, saidsecond layer having a top and a bottom surface wherein the top surfaceof said second layer faces said bottom surface of said first layer; anda third layer of fibers comprising spunbond fibers layer, said thirdlayer having a top and a bottom surface wherein said spunbond fibers aremulti-component fibers having a core comprising a first polymer having afirst melt temperature and a sheath comprising a second polymer having asecond melt temperature wherein said second melt temperature is lowerthan said first melt temperature, wherein the top surface of said thirdlayer faces said bottom surface of said second layer such that saidsecond layer is positioned between said first and third layers; and b. aweb of an elastomeric material having top and bottom surfaces, whereinthe bottom surface of said third layer comprising spunbond fibers ofsaid first nonwoven web is bonded to said top surface of saidelastomeric web to form a laminate and wherein at least a portion ofsaid stretchable laminate is activated such that said first nonwoven webhas a Residual Maximum Peak Force of at least 0.3 N/cm after activationof at least a portion of said laminate.
 2. The stretchable laminate ofclaim 1 wherein the melt temperature of said second polymer forming saidsheath is less than about 150°.
 3. The stretchable laminate of claim 1wherein said elastomeric web is a film of an elastomeric material. 4.The stretchable laminate of claim 3 wherein said film comprises anelastomeric polyolefin.
 5. The stretchable laminate of claim 1 whereinsaid first nonwoven web is adhesively bonded to said elastomeric webwith a hotmelt adhesive having a melt temperature.
 6. The stretchablelaminate of claim 5 wherein the melt temperature of said hotmeltadhesive is greater than the melt temperature of said second polymer. 7.The stretchable laminate of claim 6 wherein the melt temperature of saidhotmelt adhesive is lower than the melt temperature of said firstpolymer.
 8. The stretchable material of claim 1 wherein said firstpolymer comprises a polypropylene and said second polymer comprises apolyethylene.
 9. A process of making a stretchable laminate comprising:obtaining a first nonwoven web, said first nonwoven web comprising: afirst layer of fibers comprising spunbond fibers wherein said spunbondfibers are multi-component fibers having a core comprising a firstpolymer having a first melt temperature and a sheath comprising a secondpolymer having a second melt temperature wherein said second melttemperature is lower than said first melt temperature, said first layerhaving a top and a bottom surface; a second layer of fibers comprisingmeltblown fibers, said second layer having a top and a bottom surfacewherein the top surface of said second layer faces said bottom surfaceof said first layer; and a third layer of fibers comprising spunbondfibers layer, said third layer having a top and a bottom surface whereinsaid spunbond fibers are multi-component fibers having a core comprisinga first polymer having a first melt temperature and a sheath comprisinga second polymer having a second melt temperature wherein said secondmelt temperature is lower than said first melt temperature, wherein thetop surface of said third layer faces said bottom surface of said secondlayer such that said second layer is positioned between said first andthird layers; obtaining a web of an elastomeric material having top andbottom surfaces; bonding the bottom surface of said third layercomprising spunbond fibers of said first nonwoven web to said topsurface of said elastomeric web; and activating at least a portion ofsaid laminate such that said first nonwoven web has a Residual MaximumPeak Force of at least 0.3 N/cm after activation of at least a portionof said laminate.
 10. The process of claim 9 wherein the melttemperature of said second polymer forming said sheath is less thanabout 150°.
 11. The process of claim 9 further comprising: bonding asecond nonwoven web to the bottom surface of said elastomeric web beforeactivating a portion of said laminate.
 12. The process of claim 11wherein said second nonwoven web comprises: a first layer comprisingspunbond fibers wherein said spunbond fibers are multi-component fibershaving a core comprising a first polymer having a first melt temperatureand a sheath comprising a second polymer having a second melttemperature wherein said second melt temperature is lower than saidfirst melt temperature, said first layer having a top and a bottomsurface; a second layer of fibers comprising meltblown fibers, saidsecond layer having a top and a bottom surface wherein said bottomsurface of said second layer faces said top surface of said first layer;and a third layer of fibers comprising spunbond fibers wherein saidspunbond fibers are multi-component fibers having a core comprising afirst polymer having a first melt temperature and a sheath comprising asecond polymer having a second melt temperature wherein said second melttemperature is lower than said first melt temperature, said third layerhaving a top and a bottom surface wherein the bottom surface of saidthird layer faces said top surface of said second layer such that saidsecond layer is positioned between said first and third layers of saidsecond nonwoven web; wherein the top surface of said third layercomprising spunbond fibers of said second nonwoven web is bonded to saidbottom surface of said elastomeric web.
 13. The process of claim 9wherein said elastomeric web is a film of an elastomeric materialcomprising an elastomeric polyolefin.
 14. The process of claim 9 whereinsaid first nonwoven web is adhesively bonded to said elastomeric webwith a hotmelt adhesive having a melt temperature that is greater thanthe melt temperature of said second polymer.
 15. The process of claim 9wherein said first nonwoven web is adhesively bonded to said elastomericweb with a hotmelt adhesive having a melt temperature that is greaterthan the melt temperature of said second polymer.
 16. A disposableabsorbent article comprising: a chassis having opposing first and secondlongitudinal side edges, said chassis comprising a liquid pervioustopsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and an absorbent core disposedbetween said topsheet and said backsheet; and a pair of stretchable earsor side panels connected to each longitudinal side edge of said chassis,each of said ears or side panels comprising a stretchable laminatecomprising: a. a first nonwoven web, said first nonwoven web comprising:a first layer of fibers comprising spunbond fibers wherein said spunbondfibers are multi-component fibers having a core comprising a firstpolymer having a first melt temperature and a sheath comprising a secondpolymer having a second melt temperature wherein said second melttemperature is lower than said first melt temperature, said first layerhaving a top and a bottom surface; a second layer of fibers comprisingmeltblown fibers, said second layer having a top and a bottom surfacewherein the top surface of said second layer faces said bottom surfaceof said first layer; and a third layer of fibers comprising spunbondfibers layer, said third layer having a top and a bottom surface whereinsaid spunbond fibers are multi-component fibers having a core comprisinga first polymer having a first melt temperature and a sheath comprisinga second polymer having a second melt temperature wherein said secondmelt temperature is lower than said first melt temperature, wherein thetop surface of said third layer faces said bottom surface of said secondlayer such that said second layer is positioned between said first andthird layers; and b. a web of an elastomeric material having top andbottom surfaces, wherein the bottom surface of said third layercomprising spunbond fibers of said first nonwoven web is bonded to saidtop surface of said elastomeric web to form a laminate and wherein atleast a portion of said stretchable laminate is activated such that saidfirst nonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak Force of at least 0.3N/cm after activation of at least a portion of said laminate.
 17. Theabsorbent article of claim 16 wherein the melt temperature of saidsecond polymer forming said sheath is less than about 150°.
 18. Theabsorbent article of claim 16 further comprising: c. a second nonwovenweb bonded to the bottom surface of said elastomeric web wherein saidsecond nonwoven web comprises: a first layer comprising spunbond fiberswherein said spunbond fibers are multi-component fibers having a corecomprising a first polymer having a first melt temperature and a sheathcomprising a second polymer having a second melt temperature whereinsaid second melt temperature is lower than said first melt temperature,said first layer having a top and a bottom surface; a second layer offibers comprising meltblown fibers, said second layer having a top and abottom surface wherein said bottom surface of said second layer facessaid top surface of said first layer; and a third layer of fiberscomprising spunbond fibers wherein said spunbond fibers aremulti-component fibers having a core comprising a first polymer having afirst melt temperature and a sheath comprising a second polymer having asecond melt temperature wherein said second melt temperature is lowerthan said first melt temperature, said third layer having a top and abottom surface wherein the bottom surface of said third layer faces saidtop surface of said second layer such that said second layer ispositioned between said first and third layers of said second nonwovenweb; wherein the top surface of said third layer comprising spunbondfibers of said second nonwoven web is bonded to said bottom surface ofsaid elastomeric web.
 19. The disposable absorbent article of claim 18wherein said first nonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak Force of atleast 0.4 N/cm after activation of at least a portion of said laminate.20. The disposable absorbent article of claim 19 wherein said firstnonwoven web has a Residual Maximum Peak Force of at least 0.5 N/cmafter activation of at least a portion of said laminate.